Philip Beck was born about 1741 in Germany and lived in Hereford Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania, in 1758; he paid taxes there from 1762 to 1767 and about 1763 he married Catherine (surname unknown.) They moved to Rowan County, North Carolina, where he paid taxes in 1768. He was appointed a road overseer on February 7, 1773, and later was a constable. On August 7, 1787, he was granted a license to operate an ordinary. He was evidently a Tory sympathizer, but on August 6, 1778, he was given permission to take the oath of allegiance to North Carolina; on August 8 the court reported that he had not taken it.

Beck received a grant of 330 acres on the waters of Pott's creek and sold 101 acres of it to Henry Clement on April 18, 1795. On January 21, 1784, he bought 57 acres from Thomas Carson. On May 15, 1802, he bought 40 acres on Swan's Creek from Charles Payne. On November 14, 1814, he gave 44 acres to his son Adam. On June 14, 1815, he gave 87 acres to son Henry and 145 acres to his son Davault; on January 23, 1816, he gave 40 acres to son George and received 39 acres from George.

Philip made his will on March 1, 1817, leaving his property to his wife and children, and the estate was probated in May, 1817.

In the name of God, Amen.I, Philip Beck, being very sick and weak in body, but thank God of perfect mind and memory, knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament in the manner and form following: To wit, Principally and first of all, I recommend my Soul into the hands fo Almighty God, who gave it, and my body to the dust to be buried in decent Christian burial at the discretion of my executors, nothing doubting, but I shall recieve the same again at the day of resurrection.

Secondly, I give and bequeath unto my beloved Wife Catherine Beck my bed and furniture and my cow, and an equal part of all my other personal estate, with all my children.

Thirdly, My will is that my Executor sell my tract of forty acres of land, and divide the price thereof equally amongst the persons following: To wit, George Beck, Henry Beck, Adam Beck, and Dewalt Beck.

Fifthly and lastly, I do appoint my trusty and beloved friend Benjamin Sherwood my Esecutor to this my Last Will and Testament, in testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the first day of March in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and seventeen.

HisPhilip F.B. Beck (SEAL)MarkSigned, sealed, pronounced, and declared to be the Last Will and Testament of Philip Beck, who at his request and in his presence hath subscribed our names as witnesses to the same.